1. Introduction to the Networked Communications Environment Lisa Horner, Global Partners

2. Challenges and opportunities for freedom of expression Physical layer –Access to hardware and networks. Connectivity layer –Interoperability, innovation and literacy. Applications layer –‘Public interest’ navigation and cataloguing. Content layer –Diverse, open and ‘public interest’ content.

3. Physical Layer: Digital Opportunity Asian countries lead the world in digital opportunity But the region also has significant digital divides

4. Physical Layer: Digital Divides Internet users (2002) Mobile subscribers (2002)

5. Television is the most popular source of news Physical Layer: Trends in Access and Use Internet and mobile phone access and use are increasing rapidly

6. Connectivity Layer: Language online More than 90% of content on the Internet exists in only 12 languages ICANN is trialling 11 new languages in top level domain names. Percentage of population who are literate

7. Applications Layer: Search engines Over half of all searches worldwide use Google

8. The Content Layer: Regulation Relatively high levels of state ownership, intervention and control.

9. Internet Filtering in Asia Social Political Tools Conflict

10. Drivers of change: Economics Broadband is approximately 432 times more affordable in high income countries But prices are decreasing…

11. Conclusions The regional digital divide is a major feature of the Asian communications environment. States have relatively high levels of control over content and infrastructure. The environment is continuing to evolve…what will be the effect of political, economic and regulatory dynamics?